What to do

Here are some recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Your child should be able to do these things before you start potty training:

• Sit, walk, dress (with help), and pull pants up and down

• Understand and respond to instructions

• Imitate others

• Show independence

Here are tips to make potty training go more smoothly:

• Tell your child that the potty belongs to him or her. 

• Put it in a convenient spot.

• Let your child sit on the potty chair fully clothed until he or she gets used to just sitting on it.

• Let your child see you using the toilet.

• Explain the potty's purpose.

• Take your child to the potty when he or she most likely needs to use it.

• Let your child go without diapers when he or she stays dry during the day. Nighttime control takes months longer.

• Don't start toilet training during times of stress (for example, when moving to a new home, bringing home a new baby, or starting with a new care provider).

• Don't punish your child for accidents or make potty training a battle between you and your child. This can lead to long-term problems like constipation. Praise your child when he or she successfully uses the toilet. Accept that accidents will happen. 

Give it time

It may take up to a couple of years before your child is completely toilet-trained.

The AAP says children may show signs of readiness at 18 months, start training at 24 months, and stay dry during the day by 30 to 36 months. Most children will stay dry at night by the time they are 36 to 48 months old. Still, it's normal for some 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds to have accidents.